High-profile Question Time panel revealed

Andrew Nowell

Political big-hitters are heading for Wigan as the high-profile panel for the edition of Question Time filmed in the borough is unveiled.

Brexit minister David Davis, Labour’s shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, Ukip and Plaid Cymru leaders Paul Nuttall and Leanne Wood and Siemens UK CEO Juergen Maier will be in front of the cameras at a town centre location on Thursday.

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall is under pressure.

Wiganers are expected to pack the audience to quiz the five panellists on a range of topical issues.

Presenter David Dimbleby will be in charge of the discussion.

The visit of the popular BBC current affairs show has been given extra impetus by the announcement of the general election on June 8, with all parties’ campaigning efforts now under way.

The programme goes out onto national TV screens less than an hour after polls close in Greater Manchester’s first mayoral election.

Question Time’s arrival is a major coup for Wigan, which has previously hosted two episodes of its radio counterpart Any Questions?

The most recent visit to the borough by the radio crews was in 2015, when a panel was grilled by residents at Winstanley College.